Nanophotonic Platforms for Probing Strong Coupling
Abstract
This proposal aims to explore the potenHal of nanophotonic and plasmonic architectures to probe and harness strong coupling phenomena. Nanofabricated opHcal structures enable precise tailoring of electromagneHc modes, leading to substanHal coupling interacHons within near-#eld "hot spots." These systems provide unique opportuniHes to invesHgate how strong coupling can in#uence chemical and physical properHes, o#ering pathways to selecHvely manipulate molecular interacHons and energy transfer processes. The proposed research focuses on uHlizing these nanophotonic plaTorms to develop advanced cavity designs and measurement techniques, enabling detailed studies of resonant energy transport, chiral interacHons, and the modi#caHon of electronic and thermal properHes in strongly coupledsystems.Our primary objecHve is to understand and quanHfy the e#ects of strong coupling in various nanophotonic plaTorms. We aim todevelop caviHes that exhibit USC with molecular analytes, which could reveal signi#cant photophysical e#ects not easily observed inconvenHonal Fabry#Pérot (FP) caviHes. AddiHonally, we plan to invesHgate sub-radiant modes with high Q-factors and their role in coupling interacHons that could invert typical opHcal selecHon rules, providing novel ways to probe "dark" molecular states. Another key aspect of our research involves exploring the role of mode symmetry in plasmonic coupling plaTorms. We are parHcularly interestedin sub-radiant opHcal modes, which exhibit high #eld concentraHon, making them ideal for achieving strong coupling with dipole-forbidden molecular transiHons. Our studies will delve into how these engineered symmetries can support chiral-selecHve coupling to enanHomers and facilitate new strategies for chemical separaHons based on chiral properHes. This line of inquiry builds on our exisHng work in photo-induced magneHsm and chiral plasmonics, seeking to extend the understanding and applicaHon of strong coupling to spin phenomena and magneto-opHc e#ects.In addiHon to cavity design and mode symmetry, our research will pioneer the use of orthogonal probes to analyze chemical behavior under strong coupling condiHons. We will develop experimental strategies that provide complementary insights beyond tradiHonal far-#eld absorpHon spectra. These methods include monitoring gas absorpHon kineHcs, surface chemical reacHons, and temperature- dependent changes in molecular systems at plasmonic surfaces. By integraHng these approaches with high-resoluHon spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, we aim to achieve a comprehensive understanding of energy exchange and transport in strongly coupled systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512272
Entities
People
- Matthew Sheldon
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Irvine